Monroe Central Football Moms kickoff annual Tour of Homes

September 26, 2010

This year's Monroe Central Football Mom's Tour of Homes, which is set for Oct. 3, from 1 to 5 p.m., offers diversity. Tickets will be available at the Monroe Central Field House, located at Monroe Memorial Park, Eastern Ave., Woodsfield.

Each home offers tour goers a look at different variations of architecture and decor. The homes on this year's tour include those of Gary Ricer, located on State Route 78; Greg Schumacher, on Township Road 2307; Casey Bott, 100 Forrest Rdg.; Claudia Baker, 401 Mill St.; Fred and Carol Cline, 117 N. Paul St.; along with Monroe County Care Center and Assisted Living, located on Moore Ridge Road. The offerings on this tour are unique in the fact that three of the homes are owned by single men, who have designed and built their homes.

High atop a hill overlooking the beauty of Monroe County is the home of Gary Ricer. Along the lofty perimeter are 16 types of dwarf apple trees, planted by the previous owner. The design of this home was two years in the planning and researching process to make this 40 feet tall, 44 feet long log home energy efficient and very unique.

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The garden arch is shown in the remaining photo and is a feature at the house owned by Fred and Carol Cline serves as a gateway to the back yard of the home and will be among the places visited by those attend the upcoming Monroe Central Football Moms Tour of Homes.

The view is magnificent from any angle especially from the north deck where you can sit in the jacuzzi and see Malaga, Beallsville and into West Virginia on a clear day.

A large peeled hickory tree, complete with limbs, that was cut from the property runs floor to roof for structural support for the over 4,000 sq. ft. home. The exterior is built from four inch half cedar logs stained and sealed. The roof is polycoated copper over seamless stainless steel.

Seven types of wood can be found in the interior. Much of the work was done by local labor. The floors are floating hardwood hickory.

The home is equipped with a sophisticated security system.

As you enter the home, you are greeted by the murmuring sound of the solid copper waterfall. The doorway opens to a decorative mosaic inlay tile floor, with a like design in the center of the eat-in kitchen.

There are so many unique features: the lodge home theme, the red oak doors, the 28 ft. vaulted ceiling; the floor to ceiling cut stone log burning fireplace with stone Celtic cross center stone; the four by 12" wooden steps leading to the second floor loft master bedroom. The special features include a balcony inset, designed by Gary, that was hand forged from 10 gauge steel by a Tennessee blacksmith; the copper vein iron cantilever balcony that overlook the great room and foyer; cedar walk-in closet, knee hole hidden storage spaces and much, much more.

Daughter Richelle's room is decorated in OSU and Seminole themes and has one of the 21 speakers which are installed throughout the house.

The basement is 44 feet long with heated floors and brick stamped concrete walls. It features various artwork and a wine cellar lighted with a Tiffany lamp.

You have to see this home!

The home of Greg Schumacher overlooks a township road and affords the seclusion and beauty of the surroundings. Designed and built by its owner, with the help of his brother Andy and other relatives, this is another unique home with double stairways to the second floor bedrooms and an upstairs hallway that overlooks the downstairs kitchen. A country porch, decorated for the season, is just right for relaxing after a long day.

It's a homey atmosphere that welcomes visitors with the plush living room furniture, the white kitchen cabinets with their glass fronts in the eat-in kitchen bar that has seating for six. The vaulted ceiling, as well as the basement stairway ceiling is made up of stained wooden planks.

A parlor door, which came from his parents' home, serves as a two-sided mirror that hangs on the wall which separates the foyer and the master bedroom. The queen sized bed is covered with a beautiful handmade quilt. A family portrait wall also graces the hallway.

The downstairs bathroom has a corner tub with lots of natural light, old-style doors and a pedestal sink.

Several pieces of furniture were fashioned from siding from a barn on the family property. There are also several antique pieces that blend into the decor.

The children's bedrooms are upstairs and reflect their interests and they can be accessed by either staircase.

This year's tour offers a very contemporary living concept in the Adams Avenue home of Casey Bott. It has a definite Florida influence with a Spanish flavor. The home was designed by its owner, who lived in Florida for several years. The radiant floor heating keeps the home at an ambient temperature throughout which makes it energy efficient. You won't find square corners in this home. The contour is circular with arches and open design. There are shelves built into the walls that hold various sculptures as well as a built-in fish tank and entertainment center.

The custom maple cabinetry is uniform throughout the home and was made by Casey with a little help from master cabinet maker Andrew Ring.

As a former chef, Casey has put a lot of thought into the kitchen which was built for efficiency with its solid surface countertops, high end fixtures, stainless steel appliances and butcher block island.

Custom ceramic tiling is found throughout the home and cove lighting in the living room.

The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet that holds the electronics of the built-in features.

The master bath has a unique tub that contains over a ton of concrete covered with earth colored ceramic tiling with decorative travertine accents and a waterfall faucet. There is a spacious shower and an additional walk-in closet.

There is a weight room and a half bath off the hallway. A large walk-in freezer and ice block machine can be found in a room in the back of the garage. Casey is known for his beautiful ice sculptures.

The French doors in the living room and master bedroom lead to an open patio and a barbecue deck that overlooks a wooded area.

There is a back-up heat system and central air.

This home is very different from the typical Monroe County home.

It's bears, baskets and Americana at the home of Claudia Baker. The country influence is surely found in this two story home. Claudia's creativity is evidenced in each room. As a Longaberger representative, she has blended baskets, her country crafts and her sense of style to each room.

The front porch is accessed through an American flag gate. To the left is a fish pond and country theme carries throughout the yard.

The burgundy wine cabinets serve as a background for the country crafts, baskets and bears. She has used decorative borders throughout the home which reflects the theme of each room.

The family room and living area are separated by a brick room divider and spindles. There is a family wall and shelves over each window add a decorative touch.

At the top of the stairway is a bench Claudia made from a twin bed. Her grandmother's quilt hangs over the stairway.

Daughter Shyla's room is done in purple with a heart border and is decorated for a princess.

Her son Cole's room features the black and gray of his favorite team, the Raiders.

The master bedroom has mirrored closet doors, a hope chest her mother gave her and garden gate and rose border.

Claudia's basket room holds many of her Longaberger baskets and

The home of Fred and Carol Cline is an older home that has been well cared for. It offers three floors of living space plus a full basement. The owners have moved and this home, located close to downtown Woodsfield, is move-in ready and for sale.

There is a dining room, breakfast nook and one of the kitchen cabinets has a pull out dough board.

This home has lots of storage space and a large garage in back that has a downstairs work shop. The backyard is surrounded by hedges affording privacy for those backyard get-togethers.

Monroe County Care Center and its new Assisted Living Complex offers a beautiful environment for its residents. The care center and sections of the assisted living, which is still under construction, will be open to the public on tour day.

The assisted living will offer efficiency and one bedroom apartments. The entry way is spacious and there will be a hair salon with waiting area, dining room with a juice bar, family kitchen, public restrooms and much more. The spacious windows and open courtyard lend a country atmosphere to the center and the assisted living complex.

You'll have a great time as you tour each of these homes Sunday, Oct. 3, 1 to 5 p.m.